Foreign Affairs Minister and former West Coast Eagles board member, The Hon. Julie Bishop, believes the Eagles still have what it takes to topple the Dockers despite missing a host of stars.
The Eagles have brought in Callum Sinclair, Jamie Bennell, Brant Colledge, Josh Hill and Kane Lucas into their 25-man squad to face the Dockers. The squad will be trimmed to a final 22 later today.
Ms Bishop told 6PR Breakfast there is plenty on the line for the Eagles.
“We’ve got a lot at stake,” Ms Bishop said.
“If we win, we’ve got a top-two finish within our grasp.
“If we lose it increases the likelihood of facing Hawthorn on the road in the first week of the finals.
“We’re missing a few Nic Nat, Mark LeCras, Jeremy McGovern, even Scott Selwood’s out.
“We’ve still got Josh Kennedy, the leading goal-kicker, and Matt Priddis will play well.
“Earlier this year, the Dockers beat the Eagles by about 30 points; we’re a lot better now I think.
“So I’m going Eagles by three points.”
There are a number of areas both teams would consider a strength heading into Sunday’s game and Ms Bishop was quick to respond when asked who she thought would take out the Ross Glendining Medal.
“Matt Priddis,” Ms Bishop said instantly.
“I think he’s had a stellar year in the midfield.
“Here’s my prediction: Ross Glendinning Medal, Matt Priddis.”